Liquid dispensing cleaning system and methods of use

ABSTRACT

A cleaning system including a lower unit, a liquid dispense assembly, and a reservoir unit. The lower unit includes a shaft defining an interior passage. The liquid dispense assembly is connected to the shaft and includes a housing and a drainage tube. The housing forms an open chamber. The drainage tube is carried by the housing. The reservoir unit includes a bottle and a cap. The reservoir unit is selectively retained within the chamber. The system is operable between closed and dispensing states. In the closed state, the drainage tube is displaced from the cap. In the dispensing state, a portion of the drainage tube passes through the cap for delivering liquid from the bottle to the interior passage. In some embodiments, the cap includes a bifurcating valve, and the drainage tube includes an insertion segment configured to repeatedly slide through the bifurcating valve in a non-destructive manner.

BACKGROUND

The present disclosure relates to mops or similar cleaning implements.More particularly, it relates to manually operable, liquid dispensingmops.

Mop assemblies of the type used for applying liquids (e.g., water,cleaning solutions, floor wax, disinfectants, etc.) to a floor surfacecommonly include a mop head, a handle by which the mop head can bemanually moved along the surface, and a reservoir containing the liquid.The reservoir is usually connected to a nozzle or dispensing tubesituated near the mop head so that liquid can be deposited onto the mophead or onto the floor surface at a position close to the mop head tofacilitate application or spreading of the liquid over the floorsurface. The flow of liquid from the reservoir is typically controlledby a valve, which is normally closed to stop the flow of liquid throughthe valve, but can be opened to allow liquid from the reservoir to flowthrough the valve. The valve is generally actuated by the operator inorder to permit dispensing of the liquid at a time and place desired foroptimal liquid usage efficiency. One advantage of such liquid dispensingmop assemblies is that there is no need for the mop operator to applythe liquid to the surface in a separate step; instead, it can be done aspart of the mopping operation, thereby increasing the efficiency of themopping process.

In many conventional liquid dispensing mop assemblies, the reservoir isdisposed on or adjacent the handle, typically low on the handle justabove the mop head. Although this makes for convenient location of thereservoir, it increases the weight and bulkiness of the mop assembly,making it more difficult and tiring to use since the weight of thereservoir (and contained liquid) is located a relatively large distancefrom the handle pivot point that must be overcome by a greateruser-applied moment or stress when swinging or pushing the mop duringnormal use. Some mop assemblies attempt to avoid these problems byseparating the reservoir from the mop handle so that the reservoir doesnot have to be moved back and forth with the handle during the moppingprocess; however, such systems can be cumbersome and awkward tomanipulate as the connection between the dispensing tube and thereservoir can interfere with use of the mop.

Other concerns with conventional liquid dispensing mop assemblies relateto re-filling of a depleted reservoir. With some designs, the reservoiris a permanent structure of the mop itself. In many instances, it can bedifficult for a user to quickly re-fill the permanent reservoir withoutspillage. Conversely, other constructions provide the reservoir in theform of a container apart from the mop itself, with the mop havingbrackets or other structures for removably receiving the container. Adepleted container can readily be replaced with a new container ofliquid, but accidental spillage may invariably occur. Moreover, themechanisms affording operator control over the dispensing of liquid arenot ergonomically correct or convenient, and/or can be quite complex andthus costly.

In light of the above, a need exists for improved liquid dispensingcleaning systems, such as liquid dispensing mops.

SUMMARY

Some aspects of the present disclosure are directed toward a cleaningsystem. The cleaning system include a lower unit, a liquid dispenseassembly, and a reservoir unit. The lower unit includes a shaft andmedia holder. The shaft defines a first end, a second end opposite thefirst end, and an interior passage open to the first end. The mediaholder is connected to the shaft adjacent the second end. The liquiddispense assembly is connected to the first end and includes a housingand a drainage tube. The housing forms an open chamber. The drainagetube is carried by the housing. The reservoir unit includes a bottle anda cap. The bottle is adapted to contain a liquid and terminates at anopen end. The cap covers the open end. The system is configured toprovide a loaded arrangement in which the reservoir unit is selectivelyretained within the chamber. Further, the system is configured to bemanually operable in the loaded arrangement between a closed state and adispensing state. In the closed state, the drainage tube is displacedfrom the cap. In the dispensing state, a portion of the drainage tubepasses through the cap for delivering liquid from the bottle to theinterior passage. With this construction, the reservoir unit is easilyassembled to and removed from the liquid dispense assembly. Further, themechanisms by which an operator can selectively dispense liquid from thereservoir unit are straightforward and easy to operate. In someembodiments, the liquid dispense assembly includes a plunger foroperator-prompted dispensing of liquid, with the plunger arranged to beactuated by a pressing force applied by an operator's hand otherwisegrasping the housing. In other embodiments, the cap includes or carriesa valve, such as a bifurcating valve, and the drainage tube includes aninsertion segment configured to repeatedly slide through the bifurcatingvalve in a non-destructive manner.

Other aspects of the present disclosure are directed toward a liquiddispense assembly for use with a mop apparatus. The liquid dispenseassembly includes a housing, a plunger, a drainage tube, and a hub. Thehousing defines a leading section, an intermediate section, and atrailing section. The intermediate second forms an open chamber forselectively receiving a reservoir unit. The leading section defines aninterior passageway open to an end of the housing and terminating at anorifice opposite the end. The plunger is slidably coupled to thetrailing section. The drainage tube is attached to the orifice anddefines a lumen open to the chamber and the interior passageway.Further, the drainage tube includes an insertion section for selectivelyinterfacing with a reservoir unit. The hub is slidably disposed aboutthe drainage tube. With this construction, the liquid dispense assemblycan be assembled to a shaft of a mop apparatus, and provides anergonomically convenient mechanism for manually-prompted liquiddispensing. In some embodiments, the liquid dispense assembly furtherincludes a spring biasing the hub in a direction of the trailingsection.

Yet other aspects of the present disclosure are directed toward a methodof cleaning. The method includes loading a reservoir unit into a liquiddispense assembly of a mop apparatus. The reservoir unit includes abottle containing a liquid and a cap covering an open end of the bottle.A plunger of the liquid dispense assembly is then depressed to cause adrainage tube of the liquid dispense assembly to pass through the cap.Commensurate with the step of depressing, the drainage tube is open toan interior passage of a shaft of the mop apparatus so as to dispenseliquid from the bottle onto a surface to be cleaned. In someembodiments, an entirety of the reservoir unit moves relative to thedrainage tube with the step of depressing the plunger.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1A is a perspective view of a cleaning system in accordance withprinciples of the present disclosure, including a reservoir unit loadedto liquid dispense assembly;

FIG. 1B is a perspective view of the cleaning system of FIG. 1A andillustrating the reservoir unit apart from the liquid dispense assembly;

FIG. 2 is a perspective, exploded view of a liquid dispense assemblyuseful with the system of FIG. 1A;

FIG. 3 is a longitudinal, cross-sectional view of a housing useful withthe liquid dispense assembly of FIG. 2;

FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view of the housing of FIG. 3, taken alongthe line 4-4;

FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view of the housing of FIG. 3, taken alongthe line 5-5;

FIG. 6 is an enlarged perspective view of a drainage tube useful withthe liquid dispense assembly of FIG. 2;

FIG. 7 is an exploded perspective view of the drainage tube of FIG. 6;

FIG. 8 is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of the drainage tube ofFIG. 6;

FIG. 9 is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of a portion of the liquiddispense assembly of FIG. 3, illustrating assembly of a plunger to thehousing;

FIG. 10A is an enlarged perspective view of a hub useful with the liquiddispense assembly of FIG. 2;

FIG. 10B is an end view of the hub of FIG. 10A;

FIG. 10C is a cross-sectional view of the hub of FIG. 10B, taken alongthe line 10C-10C;

FIG. 11 is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of a portion of theliquid dispense assembly of FIG. 3, illustrating assembly of thedrainage tube of FIG. 6 and a biasing assembly to the housing of FIG. 3;

FIG. 12 is an enlarged longitudinal cross-sectional view of a portion ofa reservoir unit useful with the cleaning system of FIG. 1A;

FIG. 13A is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of a portion of thecleaning system of FIG. 1A, illustrating a closed state of the cleaningsystem;

FIG. 13B is an enlarged cross-sectional view of a portion of the view ofFIG. 13A; and

FIG. 14 is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of a portion of thecleaning system of FIG. 1A, illustrating a dispensing state of thecleaning system.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

One embodiment of a cleaning system 20 in accordance with principles ofthe present disclosure is shown in FIGS. 1A and 1B. The cleaning system20 includes a cleaning apparatus (e.g., a mop apparatus) 22 and areservoir unit 24. In general terms, the reservoir unit 24 contains avolume of liquid and is selectively or removably received by the mopapparatus 22. As a point of reference, FIG. 1A depicts the reservoirunit 24 mounted to the mop apparatus 22 in a loaded arrangement of thesystem 20, whereas in the unloaded arrangement of FIG. 1B, the reservoirunit 24 is removed from the mop apparatus 22. In addition tofacilitating selective mounting of the reservoir unit 24, the mopapparatus 22 includes various features that promote user-prompteddispensing of liquid from the reservoir unit 24 onto the surface to becleaned as described in greater detail below.

The mop apparatus 22 generally includes a lower unit 30 and a liquiddispense assembly 32. The lower unit 30 is assembled to the liquiddispense assembly 32, and includes or carries various implements forcleaning. The liquid dispense assembly 32, in turn, is configured toreceive the reservoir unit 24, and includes components operable fordispensing liquid from the reservoir unit 24 to the lower unit 30. Insome embodiments, the liquid dispense assembly 32 is formed apart fromand assembled to the lower unit 30; alternatively, portions of the lowerunit 30 and the liquid dispense assembly 32 can be integrally formed.

The lower unit 30 can assume a variety of forms generally appropriatefor a desired end-use application; the present disclosure is not limitedto the exemplary formats reflected in the drawings. The lower unit 30can include a shaft 40 and a media holder 42. The shaft 40 is configuredfor coupling to (or is integrally formed with one more components of)the liquid dispense assembly 32, and forms an interior passage (hiddenin the views of FIGS. 1A and 1B). In some embodiments, the shaft 40 canbe akin to a hollow tube. Regardless, the interior passage serves asconduit for directing liquid from the liquid dispense assembly 32. Theshaft 40 can alternatively be viewed as a mop handle of the apparatus22. As used herein, the term “mop handle” has its commonly understooddefinition: an elongated member having a first, proximal or lower end 50adjacent the media holder 42, and a second, distal or upper end 52opposite the first end 50. In some embodiments, the shaft 40 can have anaspect ratio (i.e., length to width ratio) of about 10:1 or greater. Formany hand-held implements, a typical cross-section width dimension ofthe shaft 40 is in the range of about 0.75 inch to about 1.5 inch (about18 mm to about 38 mm). Similarly, the shaft 40 can have a length ofabout 20 inches to 60 inches or more depending on the intended utilityof the mop apparatus 22. The shaft 40 can be of a set length or can beadjustable in length (e.g., the shaft 40 can have a telescopingconfiguration).

The media holder 42 is the portion of the mop apparatus 22 (or similarcleaning apparatus) adapted to receive, support or carry a cleaningmedia (not shown), and can assume a wide variety of forms. The mediaholder 42 can be, for example, a mop head in the form of a substantiallyflat or platen media holder, but may be any other suitable structure.The media holder 42 can be adapted to receive any cleaning media formatsuch as woven or nonwoven fabric or paper media as used in so-calledflat mops; braided, twisted or woven textile strings or stripes offabric as used in so-called string or strip mops; squeegees and variousbrush-like materials useful for scrubbing floors and other surfaces.

The media holder 42 can be connected to the shaft 40 at or adjacent thefirst end 50 in various manners. For example, FIGS. 1A and 1B depict oneexemplary connection in the form of a coupling joint 60 that may providea fixed union, thereby holding the media holder 42 in a fixedorientation with respect to the shaft 40. In other embodiments, aswiveling and/or pivoting union can be provided, thereby permitting themedia holder 42 to remain attached to the shaft 40 yet assume more thanone orientation with respect to the shaft 40.

As evidenced by the above descriptions, the cleaning systems of thepresent disclosure are not limited to any particular end use cleaningformat. It is to be understood that descriptions of the presentdisclosure in terms of a mop is for convenience and ease ofunderstanding of the description. It is fully contemplated by theinventor that the scope of the present disclosure is not limited to usewith a floor mop, but applies to other implements useful for cleaningsurfaces or spreading or otherwise applying liquids to a surfaceincluding cleaning tools or systems intended for use, for example, onfloors, walls, sinks, toilets, windows, etc. In other words, the term“mop” is used herein to refer to any implement that includes a cleaningmaterial fastened to a handle that can be used to clean any surface.

One embodiment of the liquid dispense assembly 32 is shown in greaterdetail in FIG. 2, and includes a housing 70 and a drainage tube 72. Thehousing 70 is configured to selectively receive and retain the reservoirunit 24 (FIG. 1B). The drainage tube 72 is carried by the housing 70,and is configured to selectively interface with the reservoir unit 24 ina manner that permits or prevents the flow of liquid from the reservoirunit 24 as described below. In this regard, the fluid dispense assembly32 includes one or more additional components that facilitateoperator-prompted control over the drainage tube 72/reservoir unit 24interface, for example a plunger 74 and a biasing assembly 76 asdescribed in greater detail below.

The housing 70 includes or defines a leading section 80, an intermediatesection 82, and a trailing section 84. In general terms, the leadingsection 80 is configured for assembly to the shaft 40 (FIG. 1A), andsupports the drainage tube 72. The intermediate section 82 extendsbetween the leading and trailing sections 80, 84, and forms or definesan open chamber 86 sized to selectively receive the reservoir unit 24(FIG. 1B). The trailing section 84 provides a convenient handlingsurface for a user, and is optionally configured to retain the plunger74 (where provided). The housing 70 can be an integrally formed body insome embodiments; alternatively, one or more of the sections 80-84 canbe separately formed and subsequently assembled (e.g., the trailingsection 84 can be a grip body formed apart from the intermediate section82).

In certain respects, geometry features associated with the housing 70are selected in accordance with the geometries of one or more othercomponents connected to the housing 70. With this in mind, and withadditional reference to FIG. 3, the leading section 80 forms or definesa neck 90 and a collar 92. The neck 90 is configured for assembly to theshaft 40 (FIG. 1B), whereas the collar 92 is configured to maintain thedrainage tube 72 and the optional biasing assembly 76.

The neck 90 has a generally tubular construction, and defines aninterior passageway 100. The neck 90 is sized and shaped for assembly tothe shaft 40 (FIG. 1B), and can incorporate various features thatfacilitate a liquid-tight connection. For example, an outer diameter ofthe neck 90 can correspond with a diameter of the passage (not shown)formed by the shaft 40 such that the housing 70 is assembled to theshaft 40 via insertion of the neck 90 into the shaft passage. The neck90 can include one or more channels or grooves 102 each adapted toreceive an O-ring (not shown), thereby promoting a secure, leak-proofengagement between the neck 90 and an inner surface of the shaft 40. Theneck 90 can optionally further include or more additional features thatpromote fastened connection between the shaft 40 and the housing 70,such as a slot 104 adapted to receive a snap ring or similar attachmentcomponent. The neck 90 can be configured for attachment to the shaft 40in a wide variety of other manners (e.g., friction fit, mechanicalfastener, adhesive, welding, etc.). In yet other embodiments, thehousing 70 (or at least the leading section 84) can be integrally formedwith the shaft 40. Regardless, the interior passageway 100 of the neck90 is fluidly open or connected to the passage of the shaft 40.

The collar 92 can assume various forms, and generally includes ordefines a floor 110 and an outer wall 112. The floor 110 is formed at atransition between the neck 90 and the collar 92, and defines a centralorifice 114 that is open to the interior passageway 100. A size andshape of the orifice 114 is configured for receiving a portion of thedrainage tube 72 (FIG. 2) as described below. As best shown in FIG. 4,one or more optional air bleed holes 116 are defined through a thicknessof the floor 110 at locations radially spaced from the central orifice114. The air bleed holes 116 are open to the interior passageway 100(FIG. 3), and promote pressure equalization during a liquid dispensingoperation as well as drainage of any liquid that may accumulate withinthe roller 92 due to imperfect sealing with drainage tube 72. Returningto FIGS. 2 and 3, the outer wall 112 projects from the floor 110 to forma cavity 118 within which the biasing assembly 76 is received. In thisregard, the outer wall 112 is optionally shaped as a right cylinder,defining a diameter sized to slidably receive a component of the biasingassembly 76 as described below. Alternatively, the outer wall 112 canhave other constructions that may or may not circumferentially enclosethe cavity 118.

The intermediate section 82 includes a side wall 130 and a funnel 132that combine to at least partially define the chamber 86. The funnel 132serves as a transition between the side wall 130 and the leading section80. A shape of an inner surface 134 of the side wall 130 generallycorresponds with a shape of the reservoir unit 24 (FIG. 1B), such thatthe reservoir unit 24 can be generally retained against the innersurface 134. With additional reference to FIG. 5, the side wall 130terminates at opposing edges 136, 138. As shown, the edges 136, 138 arelaterally spaced from one another, creating a gap or opening 140(referenced generally in FIG. 5) to the chamber 86. In other words, thechamber 86 is open-sided, with a size and shape of the gap 140 selectedto allow easy insertion and removal of the reservoir unit 24. In someembodiments, geometry of the inner surface 134 approximates asemi-circle as shown, although other shapes are also acceptable. Asidentified in FIG. 2, a lateral projection 142 is formed along a lengthof each of the edges 136, 138, and provides an opening for placement ofan operator's finger(s) when attempting to remove the reservoir unit 24from the chamber 86. Other constructions are also acceptable (e.g., ahole or notch in the side wall 130). In other embodiments, edges 136,138 can be uniform along an entirety of the intermediate section 82.

The funnel 132 tapers in diameter from the side wall 130 to the collar92, defining a continuous surface commensurate with that of the outerwall 112. Thus, in some embodiments, the chamber 86 is circumferentiallyenclosed along the funnel 132 (as compared to the open construction ofthe chamber 86 along the side wall 130). As described below, thetapering shape of the funnel 132 serves to guide insertion of thereservoir unit 24 (FIG. 1B) into the collar 92.

With specific reference to FIGS. 2 and 3, the trailing section 84 isconfigured to receive the plunger 74, and includes or defines a ring 150and a grip 152. A channel 154 extends through the trailing section 84,and is open to the chamber 86. The ring 150 and the grip 152 can thus beannular bodies, with an outer diameter of the grip 152 being less thanthat of the ring 150 (and of a shape defined by the side wall 130). Withthis construction, a shoulder 156 is established opposite a terminal end158 of the grip 152. The grip 152 is sized and shaped for ergonomichandling by a palm of operator's hand in some embodiments, althoughother configurations are equally acceptable. As generally reflected byFIG. 3, the trailing section 84 can be separately formed and assembledto the intermediate section 82; alternatively, the housing 70 can be anintegral, homogenous body.

The housing 70 can optionally include or incorporate additional featuresconducive to operator handling. For example, and as identified in FIGS.2 and 5, a series of optional ribs 159 can project from the side wall130 to provide increased strength while reducing the amount of material.

Returning to FIG. 2, the drainage tube 72 is generally configured formounting within the leading section 80 of the housing 70, and toselectively interface with the reservoir unit 24 (FIG. 1B) when disposedwithin the chamber 86. One embodiment of the drainage tube 72 is shownin greater detail in FIG. 6, and includes or defines a first end 160opposite a second end 162, and a lumen 164. The lumen 164 extendsthrough the drainage tube 72, and is open to the first and second ends160, 162. In some embodiments, the drainage tube 72 includes aninsertion segment 170 otherwise terminating at the first end 160. Theinsertion segment 170 can assume various constructions appropriate forinterfacing with a corresponding component of the reservoir unit 24. Insome embodiments, for example, the insertion segment 170 includes aplurality of spaced apart, circumferentially arranged splines 172,adjacent ones of which are separated by a slot 174. The splines 172 (andcorresponding slots 174) extend longitudinally (i.e., parallel to acentral longitudinal axis of the drainage tube 72), and are adapted, insome embodiments, for slidable insertion into and retraction from avalve structure such as a bifurcating valve allowing air to enterbetween the splines 172 (i.e., via the slots 174). Other constructionsare also envisioned, commensurate a valve or other self-sealingconfiguration provided with the reservoir unit 24.

Other optional features provided with the drainage tube 72 can beselected to promote assembly with the housing 70 (FIG. 2) and/or tointerface with the biasing assembly 76 (FIG. 2). For example, thedrainage tube 72 can include a flange 180, a guide segment 182 and amounting segment 184. The insertion segment 170 projects from the flange180, with an outer diameter of the flange 180 being greater than anouter diameter collectively defined by the splines 172. The guidesegment 182 extends from the flange 180 in a direction opposite theinsertion segment 170, and is generally configured to interface with acomponent of the biasing assembly 76 as described below. The guidesegment 182 can be cylindrical in shape, optionally having an outerdiameter less than the diameter of the flange 180. The mounting segment184 terminates at the second end 162 and is sized and shaped for mountedassembly to the housing 70 as described below. For example, the mountingsegment 184 can be cylindrical in shape, having a stepped reduction inouter diameter to generate a rim 186 for reasons made clear below. Thedrainage tube 72 can be assembled to the housing 70 in a wide variety ofmanners, such that the drainage tube 72 can incorporate otherconstructions differing from the mounting segment 184 as shown.

The drainage tube 72 can be an integral, homogenous body. Alternatively,the drainage tube 72 can be formed by two (or more) separate components,such as shown in FIG. 7. More particularly, the drainage tube 72 isoptionally generated by assembly of a head member 190 and a base member192. The head member 190 includes or forms the insertion segment 170,the flange 180, and a coupling body 194 forming exterior threads 196.The base member 192 includes or forms the guide segment 182 and themounting segment 184, and forms an interiorly threaded surface 198. Thehead member 190 is assembled to the base member 192 via threadedengagement between the coupling body 194 and the interiorly threadedsurface 198. Regardless, the lumen 164 is continuous through thedrainage tube 72 as further reflected by FIG. 8.

Returning to FIG. 2, the plunger 74 is generally configured tofacilitate user-actuated dispensing of liquid from the reservoir unit 24(FIG. 1B), and can assume a variety of forms. In some embodiments, theplunger 74 includes a shaft 200, a capture body 202 and a button 204.The shaft 200 is sized to be slidably received within the channel 154(referenced generally in FIG. 2) of the housing trailing section 84(e.g., an outer dimension of the shaft 200 is less than a diameter ofthe channel 154), and has a length greater than a length of the channel154. The capture body 202 and the button 204 are attached to oppositeends of the shaft 200 and present an enlarged diameter such that onceassembled to the housing 70, the plunger 74 cannot inadvertently beremoved (i.e., the capture body 202 and the button 204 cannot passthrough the channel 154). For example, and as shown in FIG. 9,longitudinal sliding movement of the plunger 74 relative to the housing70 is constrained by the capture body 202 contacting the shoulder 156,and by the button 204 contacting the terminal end 158. In someembodiments, the button 204 (and/or the capture body 202) is formedapart from the shaft 200. Assembly of the plunger 74 to the housing 70entails insertion of the shaft 200 through the channel 154, followed byassembly of the button 204 to the shaft 200. A wide variety of othermounting configurations are equally acceptable.

Returning to FIG. 2, the optional biasing assembly 76 can assume avariety of forms and in some embodiments includes a hub 210 and a spring212. One exemplary construction of the hub 210 is shown in FIGS.10A-10C, and includes a hub body 220 and a platform 222. The hub body220 has an annular shape, extending between opposing, first and secondends 224, 226. The platform 222 is located intermediate the opposingends 224, 226, and is perpendicular to a central axis of the hub body220. As identified in FIG. 10C, the platform 222 defines opposing, firstand second faces 230, 232. A central opening 234 is formed through athickness of the platform 222, and is sized to co-axially receive aportion of the drainage tube 72 (FIG. 2). Further, drainage holes 236are optionally formed through a thickness of the platform 222 atlocations radially spaced from the central opening 234 for reasons madeclear below. Regardless, the platform 222 combines with the hub body 220to define a capture region 238 for receiving the spring 212 (FIG. 2).The hub body 220 further forms a central bore 240 between the first end224 and the first face 230 of the platform 222. The bore 240 is fluidlyopen to the central opening 234 (as well as the drainage holes 236 whereprovided). The bore 240 has a stepped diameter, defining a shelf 242intermediate the platform 222 and the first end 224. A diameter of thebore 240 between the shelf 242 and the first end 224 corresponds with acomponent of the reservoir unit 24 (FIG. 1B), with a geometry of theshelf 242 and the reservoir unit component (e.g., a cap) selected intandem such that the reservoir unit 24 can be placed into the bore 240in abutting contact with the shelf 242. A diameter of the bore 240between the shelf 242 and the platform 222 is selected to slidinglyaccommodate corresponding features of the drainage tube 72, includingthe optional flange 180 (FIG. 7) as described below.

Returning to FIG. 2, the spring 212 can assume a variety of formsappropriate for interfacing with the hub 210 as described below. In someembodiments, the spring 212 is a helically wound compression spring.Other configurations are also acceptable, and in some embodiments thespring 212 can be replaced with any other biasing member or mechanismformat.

Mounting of the drainage tube 72 and the biasing assembly 76 to thehousing 70 is shown in FIG. 11. The drainage tube 72 is attached to thehousing collar 92, locating the insertion segment 170 away from thefloor 110. For example, the mounting segment 184 can be press-fit intothe orifice 114, establishing a fixed relationship (e.g., the drainagetube 72 does not move relative to the housing 70). Other mountingconfigurations are equally acceptable that may or may not entail a fixedarrangement. Regardless, the drainage tube lumen 164 is fluidly open tothe interior passageway 100. The hub 210 is slidably disposed over thedrainage tube 72, including the guide segment 182 of the drainage tube72 being received within the central opening 234 of the platform 222. Asshown, a diameter of the central opening 234 is less than a diameter ofthe flange 180. Upon final assembly, then, the hub 210 is arranged suchthat the first face 230 of the platform 222 selectively contacts orabuts the flange 180. Further, the insertion segment 170 is locatedwithin the bore 240 of the hub 210, with the hub body 220 being radiallyspaced from the insertion segment 170 (e.g., the insertion segment 170and the flange 180 freely slide relative to the hub 210 within the bore240). The spring 212 is captured between the floor 110 and the secondface 232 of the platform 222, and biases the hub 210 away from the floor110 to the arrangement of FIG. 11. As a point of reference, FIG. 11reflects a normal or “closed” state of the liquid dispense assembly 32.In the closed state, the spring 212 biases the hub 210 such thatplatform 222 abuts the flange 180; because the drainage tube 72 (andthus the flange 180) is spatially fixed relative to the floor 110, astatic interface is established, preventing the hub 210 from movingbeyond (or upwardly relative to the orientation FIG. 11). When a forceis applied to the hub 210 sufficient to overcome a biasing force of thespring 212, the hub 210 is caused to move toward the floor 110 forreasons made clear below. Upon removal of this force, the spring 212biases the hub 210 back to the closed state of FIG. 11. As shown, theshelf 242 is displaced away (i.e., above relative to the orientation ofFIG. 11) from the insertion segment 170 of the drainage tube 72 in theclosed state.

Returning to FIG. 1B, the reservoir unit 24 generally includes a bottle250 and a cap 252. The bottle 250 defines an internal volume forcontaining a liquid, and terminates at an open end or orifice 254(referenced generally) that is covered by the cap 252 as shown in FIG.12. The cap 252 effectively defines a face 256 that closes the open end254. The face 256 can have a self-sealing or self-closing attribute,whereby a body can be inserted through the face 256 and followingsubsequent removal of the body, the face 256 (or other componentassociated with the face 256) self-seals or self-closes. For example,the face 256 can carry or form or be open to a valve structure (notshown). In some embodiments the valve is of a type known to those ofskill in the art as bifurcating valve. A bottle cap containing abifurcating valve may be obtained from Liquid Molding Systems, Inc.,Midland, Mich. As a point of reference, while bifurcating valves aresometimes employed to permit flow in response to an external pressure,such as squeezing of the bottle 250, and to prevent fluid flow absentsuch pressure, operation of the liquid dispense assemblies of thepresent disclosure is premised upon passing a body through thebifurcating valve (as opposed to squeezing the bottle 250). Other valveconstructions are also acceptable. In other embodiments, the face 256can be or include a self-sealing or self-closing membrane or materiallayer(s). Though not shown, the cap 252 can optionally include a lidthat may be attached to the cap 252 by a hinge, for example, to preventunexpected flow of liquid through the face 256 during periods ofnon-use.

The bottle 250 can assume various shapes and sizes, and in someembodiments is constructed to exhibit at least some longitudinalrigidity (e.g., the bottle 250 will not overtly deform when subjected tothe external forces described below). While the bottle 250 may have asubstantially rigid construction, in other embodiments the bottle 250can be constructed to deform in response to a squeezing force. In yetother embodiments, the bottle 250 can be entirely deformable (e.g., akinto a bag or pouch), with the reservoir unit 24 further including onemore outer containers that surround the bottle 250 and provide somelevel of longitudinal rigidity (e.g., a bag-in-a-box design). Further,the reservoir unit 24 may comprise more than one chamber, therebypermitting the contents of multiple chambers to react, combine or mixprior to or during dispensing. The liquid contained by the reservoirunit 24 can be any format desired. Non-limiting examples of liquidsuseful with the present disclosure include water, water-based cleaningsolutions, other liquid cleaning solutions, floor wax, etc. Further,cleaning systems of the present disclosure can include two (or more) ofthe reservoir units 24 each containing the same or a different liquid;optionally, the system also include a carrier for additional reservoirunits such as holder adapted to carry one or more reservoir units and tobe worn on the body of the operator.

As mentioned above, FIG. 1B illustrates the reservoir unit 24 apart ordisassembled from the mop apparatus 22. The reservoir unit 24 can easilybe loaded into the chamber 86 in multiple fashions by an operator viainsertion through the gap 140 (FIG. 5). For example, the reservoir unit24 is manipulated to first locate a trailing end of the bottle 250against the capture body 202 of the plunger 74 and then allowed to slipthe cap 252 on the shelf 242. It will be recalled that in the normal (orclosed) state of FIG. 13A, the spring 212 biases the hub 210 away fromthe floor 110, including the shelf 242 being displaced away from theinsertion segment 170. Thus, during loading of the reservoir unit 24 (inwhich the cap 252 is engaged with or abuts against the shelf 242), theinsertion segment 170 of the drainage tube 72 does not interface withthe cap 252, and no liquid is released or dispensed from the reservoirunit 24.

The loaded arrangement of the cleaning system 20 (with the reservoirunit 24 loaded into the liquid dispense assembly 32) is shown in FIGS.13A and 13B, and reflects a closed or “normal” state. For ease ofillustration, the lower unit 30 (FIG. 1A) is omitted from the views. Thereservoir unit 24 is fully loaded into the chamber 86, including the cap252 engaged with the shelf 242 of the hub 210. The spring 212 biases thehub 210 to the arrangement shown, with the hub 210, in turn, locatingthe cap 252 longitudinally away from the drainage tube 72. That is tosay, in the closed state, the insertion segment 170 does not interfacewith the cap 252 such that the seal provided by the cap face 256 remainsintact, preventing release of liquid from the reservoir unit 24. Itshould be noted that in the view of FIG. 13A, the plunger 74 is arrangedsuch that capture body 202 is in contact with the bottle 250. This maynaturally occur where the plunger shaft 200 can freely slide relative tothe grip 152 and the liquid dispense assembly 32 is held in an uprightfashion (e.g., the orientation of FIG. 13A); under these circumstances,the plunger 74 may self-articulate into the arrangement of FIG. 13Aunder the force of gravity. However, so long as no external forces areplaced onto the plunger 74 (e.g., so long as the operator does not exertan overt pressing force onto the plunger button 204), a biasing force ofthe spring 212 is sufficient to maintain the closed or normal stateunder the combined weight of the reservoir unit 24 and the plunger 74.In other words, absent an overt action by the operator, the liquiddispense assembly 32 remains in the closed state and liquid is notreleased from the reservoir unit 24.

To dispense liquid from the reservoir unit 24, the operator applies amanual force onto the plunger 74 in a direction of the reservoir unit 24(represented by the arrow “D” in FIG. 13A) while keeping the housing 70relatively stationary. For example, while handling the housing 70, theoperator can hold the grip 152 in the palm of a single hand and apply apressing force on to the plunger button 204 with the thumb of the singlehand in an ergonomically convenient fashion. Other techniques forapplying a manual force on to the plunger 74 are also acceptable.Regardless, the force placed on to the plunger 74 is transferred on tothe reservoir unit 24 and in turn on to the hub 210 (due to alongitudinal rigidity of the bottle 250). Once the applied forceovercomes a bias of the spring 212, the hub 210 and the reservoir unit24 are caused to move in tandem in a direction of the floor 110,including the hub 210 sliding relative to the drainage tube 72. A springforce of the spring 212 is selected such that an adult human applyingthe pressing force solely with his/her thumb can readily overcome thebias of the spring 212 in some embodiments. Regardless, the reservoirunit 24 is caused to move relative to the housing 70 and the drainagetube 72 to the dispensing state of FIG. 14.

As the liquid dispense assembly 32 is transitioned from the closed state(FIG. 13B) to the dispense state (FIG. 14), the drainage tube 72 iscaused to interface with the reservoir unit 24. More particularly, theinsertion segment 170 passes through the cap 252 (and in particular thesealed or valved face 256) such that in the dispense state of FIG. 14,the drainage tube lumen 164 is fluidly open to an interior of the bottle250. Liquid contained in the bottle 250 will flow (e.g., due to forcesof gravity) through the drainage tube lumen 164 and into the interiorpassageway 100. Air is allowed to flow into the bottle 250 via the slots174 (FIG. 6) along the insertion segment 170 of the drainage tube 72while liquid passes through the drainage tube lumen 164. It will berecalled that the interior passageway 100 is fluidly connected to one ormore other conduits or passages (such as an interior passage of theshaft 42 (FIG. 1A)), delivering the so dispensed liquid to an outlet orexit orifice of the mop apparatus 22. When the operator desires todiscontinue the dispensing of liquid, the pressing force applied to theplunger 74 (FIG. 13A) is released; the spring 212 then biases the hub210 back to the closed state, including the insertion segment 170 beingwithdrawn from the cap 252. With removal of the insertion segment 170,the cap 252, and in particular the valved or self-sealing face 256,closes or seals the bottle 250. With embodiments in which the cap 252includes or carries a bifurcating valve, the optional splinedconstruction of the insertion segment 170 (e.g., as shown in FIG. 6)readily slides into and out of interfacing contact with the bifurcatingvalve in a non-destructive manner, allowing an operator to repeatedlytransition between the closed and dispensing states with the bifurcatingvalve consistently returning to a sealed condition upon withdrawal ofthe insertion segment 170; further, the optional splines 172 (FIG. 6)effect a fluid tight seal with a perimeter of the bifurcating valve suchthat liquid will not overtly flow between the insertion segment 170 andthe bifurcating valve perimeter in the dispensing state. Pressurepotentially generated between the shelf 242 and the floor 110 as thereservoir unit 24 is transitioned from the closed state (FIG. 13B) tothe dispensing state (FIG. 14) is relieved via the air bleed holes 116(referenced generally) in the floor 110 and the drainage holes 236 inthe platform 222. Further any excess liquid can drain through the holes236, 116 and into the interior passageway 100.

The liquid dispense assemblies of the present disclosure can assumeother formats akin to above explanations but incorporating variousmodifications. For example, while operation of the liquid dispenseassembly 32 in transitioning between the closed and dispensing stateshas been described as moving or sliding an entirety of the reservoirunit 24 relative to the drainage tube 72, in other embodiments theliquid dispense assembly can be configured such that the drainage tube72 is caused to move relative to the reservoir unit 24 in response to anoperator-applied force, selectively bringing the insertion segment 170into and out of engagement with the cap 252. In some embodiments, suchas the example of FIGS. 13B and 14, the fluid dispense assembly 32 isconfigured such that the operator-applied actuation force (e.g.,pressing force applied to the button 204 as described above) is appliedin-line with a central axis of the shaft 40 (FIG. 1A) for ease ofoperation.

Returning to FIGS. 1A and 1B, the mop apparatuses of the presentdisclosure can be configured to dispense or distribute liquid deliveredby the liquid dispense assembly 32 in various manners. For example, inone non-limiting embodiment, an interior passage of the shaft 40 isfluidly connected to a spout 300 arranged to deposit the so-deliveredliquid onto the surface to be cleaned in close proximity to the mediaholder 42. Other exit or dispensing orifice constructions are equallyacceptable.

The cleaning systems, mop apparatus, liquid dispense assemblies andmethods of the present disclosure present a marked improvement overprevious designs. Individual containers of cleaning solution or otherliquids are easily assembled to and removed from the mop apparatus. Anoperator is afforded the ability to easily dispense a volume of liquidin a controlled fashion by a simple, ergonomically-corrected pressingforce applied to a plunger at the handling end of the mop apparatus.

Although the present disclosure has been described with reference topreferred embodiments, workers skilled in the art will recognize thatchanges can be made in form and detail without departing from the spiritand scope of the present disclosure.

What is claimed is:
 1. A cleaning system comprising: a lower unit including: a shaft defining a first end, a second end opposite the first end, and an interior passage open to the first end, a media holder connected to the shaft adjacent the second end; a liquid dispense assembly connected to the first end and including: a housing forming an open chamber, a drainage tube carried by the housing; and a reservoir unit including: a bottle adapted to contain a liquid and terminating at an open end, a cap covering the open end; wherein the system is configured to provide a loaded arrangement in which the reservoir unit is selectively retained within the chamber; and further wherein the system is manually operable in the loaded arrangement between: a closed state in which the drainage tube is displaced from the cap, and a dispensing state in which a portion of the drainage tube passes through the cap for delivering liquid from the bottle to the interior passage.
 2. The cleaning system of claim 1, wherein the housing defines a leading section, an intermediate section, and a trailing section, wherein the open chamber is formed by the intermediate section, and further wherein the leading section is configured for assembly to the shaft.
 3. The cleaning system of claim 2, wherein the drainage tube is disposed within the leading section.
 4. The cleaning system of claim 3, wherein the liquid dispense assembly further includes a plunger slidably coupled to the trailing section for articulating the reservoir unit relative to the drainage tube in transitioning between the closed and dispensing states.
 5. The cleaning system of claim 4, wherein upon final assembly, an axis along which the plunger articulates relative to the housing is in-line with a longitudinal axis of the shaft.
 6. The cleaning system of claim 3, wherein the leading section defines an orifice that is fluidly open to the interior passage upon connection of the handle assembly to the lower unit, and further wherein the drainage tube extends from the orifice.
 7. The cleaning system of claim 3, wherein the drainage tube is fixed to the housing and remains stationary relative to the housing as the system transitions between the closed and dispensing states.
 8. The cleaning system of claim 3, wherein the drainage tube includes an insertion segment configured to pass through a face of the cap.
 9. The cleaning system of claim 8, wherein the face includes a bifurcating valve, and further wherein the insertion segment is configured to selectively pass through the bifurcating valve.
 10. The cleaning system of claim 8, wherein the insertion segment includes a plurality of circumferentially arranged splines.
 11. The cleaning system of claim 3, wherein the liquid dispense assembly further includes: a hub located within the leading section and slidably disposed about the drainage tube; and a spring biasing the hub in a direction of the intermediate section to define the closed state.
 12. The cleaning system of claim 11, wherein the hub includes a shelf arranged to abuttingly engage the cap in the loaded arrangement.
 13. The cleaning system of claim 12, wherein the hub further includes a platform defining a central passageway sized to slidably receive the drainage tube and a plurality of bleed holes radially spaced from the central passageway.
 14. The cleaning system of claim 1, wherein the system is configured such that an entirety of the reservoir unit slides relative to the housing in transitioning between the dispensing and closed states.
 15. The cleaning system of claim 1, further comprising a dispensing outlet fluidly connected to the interior passage opposite the first end for dispensing liquid from the system in the dispensing state.
 16. The cleaning system of claim 1, wherein the media holder is a mop head.
 17. A liquid dispense assembly for use with a mop apparatus, the liquid dispense assembly comprising: a housing defining a leading section, an intermediate section, and a trailing section, wherein: the intermediate section forms an open chamber for selectively receiving a reservoir unit, the leading section forms an interior passageway open to an end of the housing and terminating at an orifice opposite the end; a plunger slidably coupled to the trailing section; a drainage tube attached to the orifice and defining a lumen open to the chamber and the interior passageway, the drainage tube defining an insertion section for selectively interfacing with a reservoir unit; and a hub slidably disposed about the drainage tube.
 18. The liquid dispense assembly of claim 17, further comprising a spring biasing the hub in a direction of the trailing section.
 19. The liquid dispense assembly of claim 17, wherein the hub further includes a platform, and further wherein the drainage tube includes a flange selectively bearing against the platform.
 20. The liquid dispense assembly of claim 17, wherein the insertion section includes a plurality of circumferentially arranged splines.
 21. A method of cleaning comprising: loading a first reservoir unit into a liquid dispense assembly of a mop apparatus, the reservoir unit including a bottle containing a liquid and a cap covering an open end of the bottle; and depressing a plunger of the liquid dispense assembly to cause a drainage tube of the liquid dispense assembly to pass through the cap, the drainage tube being fluidly open to an interior passage of a shaft of the mop apparatus to dispense liquid from the bottle onto a surface to be cleaned.
 22. The method of claim 21, wherein the step of depressing the plunger includes moving an entirety of the reservoir unit relative to the drainage tube.
 23. The method of claim 21, further comprising: releasing the plunger, including the liquid dispense assembly self-transitioning the reservoir unit away from the drainage tube.
 24. The method of claim 21, further comprising: removing the first reservoir unit from the mop apparatus; and loading a second reservoir unit into the liquid dispense assembly of the mop apparatus. 